Danish humanitarian worker Anja Ringgren Lovén has alleged that she was held hostage and threatened with death during what she described as a violent mob attack on February 18 in Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement published on her Facebook page on Saturday, Lovén said the incident occurred while she and her team were on a home visit to support the critically ill mother of a child under her care.
She stated that the attack happened in a local community as they were en route to a prayer house.
“Deliberate Intent to Kill”
According to Lovén, their vehicle was suddenly surrounded by more than 100 villagers.
“I was held hostage and threatened to be killed during a violent attack. I witnessed two of my staff members, my security guards, and one of our children being forcibly dragged from our bus by a mob and almost beaten to death,” she wrote.
She alleged that the attackers acted with deliberate intent to kill.
Lovén confirmed that the matter has been formally reported and is currently under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force. She declined to disclose additional specifics, citing the ongoing legal process.
Gratitude for Intervention
In her statement, Lovén expressed appreciation to her husband — whom she described as a Paramount Ruler — as well as to the Nigeria Police Force for what she termed swift intervention that prevented further harm.
She also acknowledged the support of the Danish Embassy during what she described as an extremely distressing period.
Lovén stated she would not make further public comments while investigations continue.
Background and Advocacy Work
Lovén gained global recognition in 2016 after rescuing a severely malnourished toddler, later named Hope, who had been abandoned following accusations of witchcraft. Images of her feeding the child drew international attention to the stigmatization and abuse of children accused of witchcraft in parts of southern Nigeria.
Through her foundation, commonly known as the Land of Hope, Lovén has since rehabilitated dozens of abandoned or abused children, providing medical care, education, and long-term shelter.
Her latest allegation is likely to renew discussions around community tensions, child protection advocacy, and the security challenges sometimes faced by humanitarian workers operating in remote areas.